Sounion
VLCC set ablaze and abandoned — drifts for weeks in Red Sea
Background
Sounion is a Greek-operated Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) capable of carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil. It was transiting the Red Sea when attacked by Houthi forces. The subsequent weeks-long drift of the stricken tanker created one of the most visible symbols of the Red Sea shipping crisis.
The Incident
On August 21, 2024, Houthi forces attacked the Sounion multiple times over two days using drones and missiles in the Red Sea. The attacks caused fires and flooding. The crew of 25 abandoned the vessel after the attacks. US Navy vessels monitored the stricken tanker as it drifted, and EU naval forces eventually towed it out of imminent danger.
Outcome
The Sounion drifted for several weeks, raising fears of a major environmental disaster — a VLCC carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil breaking up would be one of the worst oil spills in history. EU Naval Force Atalanta eventually secured the vessel and it was towed to safety. The cargo was offloaded and the vessel assessed for structural damage.
Strategic Significance
The Sounion incident dramatically illustrated the environmental risk inherent in attacks on large crude oil tankers in the Red Sea. A VLCC breakup would have caused an environmental catastrophe comparable to Exxon Valdez. The incident strengthened European resolve to maintain naval protection for shipping and highlighted the inadequacy of existing military escorts for large tankers.
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